System for managing runoff water

ABSTRACT

Disclosed in this specification is a system for reducing runoff from an urban area into a body of water. In one embodiment, water flows from a sedimentation basin and into plurality of bioretention cells, each extended at an angle relative to the sedimentation basin. Overflow water flows from the plurality of biorention cells into an elongated filter. In another embodiment, a system for reducing run off from an elevated road is disclosed. The system includes an enclosure with a sedimentation basin and a biofiltration basin.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/685,676 (filed Mar. 22, 2012) which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates, in one embodiment, to a system for managing water from an urban area, including runoff water from a road.

BACKGROUND

As combustion vehicles are operated, a wide variety of emissions are produced. Some of these emissions accumulate on the surface of roads. During a subsequent rainstorm, these emissions are washed into a nearby drain. Ultimately, these emissions are introduced into a nearby body of water, thereby contaminating the water. An improved method of managing runoff water is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed in this specification is a system for reducing runoff from an urban area into a body of water. In one embodiment, water flows from a sedimentation basin and into plurality of bioretention cells, each extended at an angle relative to the sedimentation basin. Overflow water flows from the plurality of biorention cells into an elongated filter. In another embodiment, a system for reducing run off from an elevated road is disclosed. The system includes an enclosure with a sedimentation basin and a biofiltration basin.

In a first exemplary embodiment, a system for reducing runoff from an urban area into a body of water is disclosed. This system includes several elongated bioretention cells, each fluidly connected to an elongated sedimentation basin and fluidly connected to at least one adjacent elongated bioretention cell. The elongated sedimentation basin extends in direction from the bioretention cells. The system includes at least one elongated filter disposed adjacent to and in fluid communication with at least one of the elongated bioretention cells for receiving overflow water therefrom. An overflow drain is provided leading from the elongated filter to the body of water.

In a second exemplary embodiment, a system for reducing runoff from an elevated road into a body of water is disclosed. The system includes a road elevated above a ground level. A sedimentation basin is disposed below the road and with a vertical pipe fluidly connecting the road to the sedimentation basin. A plurality of bioretention cells, each fluidly connected to the sedimentation basin is also provided. Each bioretention cell is fluidly connected to at least one adjacent bioretention cell.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is disclosed with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an aerial view of a traditional system for managing water;

FIG. 2 is an aerial view of a first exemplary system for managing water;

FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B and FIG. 3C provide more detailed views of an elongated sedimentation basin of the first exemplary system while FIG. 3D depicts a top view of a plurality of bioretention cells;

FIG. 4 is a perspective exploded view of a fluid communication between the plurality of bioretention cells of the first exemplary system;

FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B and FIG. 5C are schematic depictions of alternate embodiments of the bioretention cells;

FIG. 6A depictions fluid conduits in the form of holes while FIG. 6B depictions fluid conduits in the form of a recessed ledge;

FIG. 7 is a side view of another traditional system for managing water;

FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B illustrate a second exemplary embodiment of an improved above-ground system; and

FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B illustrate a third exemplary embodiment of an improved in-ground system.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The examples set out herein illustrate several embodiments of the invention but should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary system 100 for managing water is depicted from an aerial perspective. Water flows from an urban area 102 following a water path 104 in a first direction 106. In the embodiment depicted, the water path 104 substantially follows raised areas 108 (e.g. a curb of a street or walkway). The water path 104 carries with it street runoff (e.g. debris and pollutants including petrochemicals, lead and cadmium) from urban area 102. In system 100, this street runoff is conveyed to a body of water 190 (e.g. a pond, lake, river or ocean). Additionally, during times of increased rainfall, the entire system 100 may become flooded. Due to the flooding, the street runoff can accumulate is inappropriate locations (e.g. above the raised areas 108). The effects of the runoff can render the landscape covered by system 100 unsuitable for pedestrians. An improved system is therefore desired.

Referring to FIG. 2, an exemplary system 200 for reducing runoff from an urban area 202 is schematically depicted from an aerial perspective. Water flows from an urban area 202 following a water path 204 in a first direction 206. In the embodiment depicted, the water path 204 substantially follows raised areas 208 (e.g. a curb of a street or walkway) until it contacts a swale 210. Swale 210 is below the elevation of the urban area 202 which facilitates proper movement of water. The swale 210 is a portion of land in a depression that functions to accumulate water for subsequent evaporation. The swale may, for example, be a natural or human-constructed ditch filled with foliage to resist the effects of erosion. During periods of light precipitation water is absorbed by the swale 210 therefore does not contact a body of water 290.

During periods of more intense precipitation, the swale 210 may be filled to capacity. In such a situation, excess water passes to a elongated sedimentation basin 212. The elongated sedimentation basin 212 has a longitudinal axis that extends in a second direction 218. The first direction 206 and the second direction 218 are different. In the embodiment depicted in the figures, the first direction 206 and the second direction 218 are orthogonal. Due to the presence of the elongated sedimentation basin 212 the water path 204 changes to flow in the second direction 212 along the longitudinal axis of the elongated sedimentation basin 212. In one embodiment the elongated sedimentation basin 212 is an enclosed structure with rigid walls. The rigid walls may, for example, be formed from concrete or other suitable building material. In one embodiment, the sedimentation basin is filled with gravel or other porous material to provide water flow through the sedimentation basin. During periods of light to moderate precipitation water is absorbed by the swale 210 and the elongated sedimentation basin 212 therefore does not contact a body of water 290.

During periods of even more intense precipitation, the swale 210 and the elongated sedimentation basin 212 may be filled to capacity. In such a situation, excess water passes to a plurality of bioretention cells 214. In the exemplary embodiment, six cells are depicted but other configurations are also possible. Each of the bioretention cells 214 has a longitudinal axis that extends in the first direction 206. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2, the plurality of bioretention cells 214 comprises a first plurality 214 a and a second plurality 214 b, each separated from the other by an elongated filter 216. Each cell in the plurality of bioretention cells 214 is fluidly connected to the elongated sedimentation basin 212 for receiving water therefrom. Each cells within each plurality is also fluidly connected to at least one adjacent cell. For example, and with reference with the first plurality 214 a, a first cell A is fluidly connected with a second cell B. The second cell B is fluidly connected to both the first cell A and a third cell C. In one embodiment, the bioretention cells are five-sided enclosures that are filled with vegetation and a suitable soil. The vegetation may be selected to metabolize or otherwise treat specific pollutants known to be emitted from the urban area 202. Likewise, the soil may be an engineered soil whose composition is selected to neutralize or otherwise treat specific pollutants known to be emitted from the urban area 202. The selection of such vegetation and engineered soils are known to those skilled in the art. During periods of light, moderate or more intense precipitation water is absorbed by the swale 210, the elongated sedimentation basin 212 and the plurality of bioretention cells 214 and therefore does not contact a body of water 290.

Should the precipitation be so intense that the plurality of bioretention cells 214 are filled to capacity, the plurality of bioretention cells 214 includes at least one biorentention cell that is in fluid communication with the elongated filter 216. The elongated filter 216 receives overflow from the plurality of biorention cells 214. For example, the first plurality of bioretention cells 214 comprises the third cell C that is adjacent to and in fluid communication with the elongated filter 216. In one embodiment, the elongated filter 216 is a sand filter. The elongated filter 216 helps resin the soil within the biorentention cells.

In situations where even the elongated filter 216 is filled to capacity, the water path 204 exits the system 200 and is released to the body of water 290. In one embodiment, a drain 220 is provided for this purpose. The drain may be above ground or below ground. In some embodiments, a pedestrian path 222 is provided above and parallel with the elongated sedimentation basin. Alternatively or additionally, a pedestrian path 224 may be provided above and parallel with the elongated filter. These pedestrian paths may be, for example, concrete or metal scaffold walkways.

FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B and FIG. 3C provide more detailed views of one embodiment of the sedimentation basin 212 of FIG. 2. FIG. 3A is a side view of the elongated sedimentation basin 212 along line A-A′. FIG. 3B is a top view of the elongated sedimentation basin 212. FIG. 3C is a side view of the elongated sedimentation basin 212 along line B-B′. FIG. 3D depicts a top view of the plurality of bioretention cells 214. As shown in FIG. 3A, the elongated sedimentation basin 212 comprises a plurality of fluid conduits 300 for receiving runoff water from the urban area 202. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3A, the fluid conduits 300 are holes. In another embodiment, the fluid conduit is a recessed ledge. FIG. 3A depicts two such fluid conduits. In other embodiments, there one or more such fluid conduits. As shown in FIG. 3C, the elongated sedimentation basin 212 comprises a plurality of fluid conduits 302 a-302 f for transferring runoff water from the elongated sedimentation basin 212 to the plurality of bioretention cells 214. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3C, there is one fluid conduit for each bioretention cell. For example, fluid conduit 302 a leads to cell A while fluid conduit 302 b leads to cell B. In another embodiment, there are several fluid conducts for each bioretention cell. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3C, the fluid conduits are disposed on the top half of the elongated sedimentation basin 212. Such placement permits the elongated sedimentation basin 212 to hold substantial volumes of water before overflowing into the plurality of bioretention cells 214. In another embodiment, the fluid conduits are disposed on the bottom half of the elongated sedimentation basin 212. Such placement causes the water to flow into the plurality of bioretention cells 214 with a smaller volume being retained. Such embodiments are useful when bio-processing by the bioretention cells 214 is desired.

FIG. 4 is a perspective exploded view of the fluid communication between the plurality of bioretention cells 214 and the elongated filter 216. For the sake of clarity of illustration, only two bioretention cells 214 have been depicted. At least two cells are in fluid communication with one another by way of fluid conduits 400 that are positioned at a first distance 402 from the bottom of the bioretention cells 214. At least one cell is in fluid communication with the elongated filter 216 by way of fluid conduits 404 that are positioned at a second distance 406 from the bottom of the bioretention cells 214. The second distance 406 is greater than the first distance 402 to ensure the elongated filter 216 is not utilized until the bioretention cells 214 are at capacity.

FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B and FIG. 5C are schematic depictions of alternate embodiments of the bioretention cells 214. FIG. 5A is a five-sided enclosure that may be used as a bioretention cell. In such an embodiment, fluid conduits (not sown in FIG. 5A) may be positioned at various locations as described elsewhere in this specification. FIG. 5B is a four-sided enclosure that may be used as a bioretention cell. A single fluid conduit is established by the open side. Such an embodiment is useful for providing terminating end units (e.g. cells A and F in FIG. 2). FIG. 5C is a three-sided enclosure that may be used as a bioretention cell. Two fluid conduits are established by the two open sides. Such an embodiment is useful for providing middle units (e.g. cells B and E of FIG. 2). In one embodiment, cells C and D are three-sided units which promote water flow into the elongated filter 216. In another embodiment, cells C and D are four-sided units that have smaller fluid channels that control the flow of water into the elongated filter 216.

Due to the modular nature of the cells, a wide variety of constructs may be formed by combining the cells in various patterns. Advantageously this permits a small number of easily-produced cells to be used for a large number of settings according to the individual geographic needs of a particular site.

Referring to FIG. 6A a depiction of fluid conduits in the form of holes 600 is shown. The holes 600 may be the fluid conduits of the elongated sedimentation basin 212, the bioretention cells 214 or the elongated filter 216. FIG. 6B is a depiction of fluid conduits in the form of recessed ledges 602. By providing a recessed ledge, water is permitted to flow from one segment of the system 200 into another segment.

FIG. 7 is a depiction of a traditional water management system of handling road runoff. An elevated road platform 700 is depicted that is raised by a distance 702 above ground level 704. During a rainstorm, water passes through pipe 706, through scupper outfall 708, contacts splash pad 710 and flows into a buried catch basin 712. Overflow from catch basin 712 passes through pipe 714 where this untreated overflow is released into the body of water 716. In some situations, overflow from catch basin 712 is introduced into a combined sewer system which then outfalls onto the body of water or directly drains above ground in the body of water.

This disclosure provides improved systems for managing water that holds road runoff and prevents it release into a body of water. An improved above-ground system in shown in FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B while an improved in-ground system is shown in FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B.

An above-ground system is shown in FIG. 8A. The exemplary system includes an elevated road platform 800 that is raised by a distance 802 above ground level 804. Distance 802 may be, for example, ten feet or more. One or more pipes 806 deposit water from the road platform 800 into an enclosure 808. Enclosure 808 is defined by four raised walls (each above ground level) that retain the water. These walls are constructed from modular units 810, shown in FIG. 8B. In one embodiment, the modular units 810 comprise a plastic barrier 812, such as a Jersey barrier. The bottom of the modular unit 810 may be fitted with a waterproof liner 814, such as a plastic liner. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 8A, each pipe 801 deposits water into a sedimentation basin 824. Water then flows from this sedimentation basin 824 into a biofiltration basin 822. By alternating the placement of sedimentation basin 824 and biofiltration basin 822 an elongated enclosure is provided that may receive water from multiple pipes along the length of a road. Alternatively, the pipes may connect to provide a single entry-point into the enclosure 808. In the embodiment depicted, the enclosure 810 has a length that extends substantially parallel to the length of the road. Such an above-ground embodiment is useful in areas where burying a unit in the ground is not possible or practical. For example, digging may be prevented due to the presence of a pedestrian walkway, brownfield or due to a nearby water table. The enclosure 810 is a sealed system such that it does not drain into an external reservoir. This is particularly desirable when the enclosure 810 is placed in a pedestrian setting where there is limited access to such a reservoir. In the embodiment of FIG. 8A a maintenance access 826 is provided to permit individuals access to the vegetation. For example, a concrete walkway may be used to provide a maintenance access.

The sedimentation basin 824 may be provided by filling the modular unit 810 with gravel or other suitable course filtering material. This captures suspended sediments and debris. The biofiltration basin 822 may be provided by filling the modular unit 810 with remediative plants 816 to treat the toxins or other materials in the water. Likewise engineered soils 818 are provided that further treat the water. The water runoff 820 is retained within the enclosure 808 until such time as the water evaporates and/or is consumed by the remediative plants 816. Due to the enclosed nature of the system, sediment contained in the water, including the toxins, remain in the enclosure and are treated by the remediative plants 816 and/or engineered soils 818 over time, even after the water has evaporated. By using multiple modular units 810, the size, shape and configuration of the enclosure may be further adjusted to accommodate the landscape around a particular road.

An in-ground system is shown in FIG. 9A. The exemplary system includes an elevated road platform 900 that is raised by a distance 902 above ground level 904. Distance 902 may be, for example ten feet or more. One or more pipes 906 deposit water from the road platform 900 into a sedimentation basin 922. This sedimentation basin 922 is fluidly connected to an enclosure 908. The enclosure 908 is buried below ground level 904 such that its top surface is parallel to the ground level 904. The enclosure 908 comprises a plurality of modular units 910. Like the embodiment of FIG. 8A, these modular units 910 provide a biofiltration basin 924. In one embodiment, the modular unit 910 is a pre-cast concrete basin. A layer of gravel 912 is provided at the bottom. In some embodiments, the pipe 914 establishes a fluid communication such that water that has been treated by the system may be released to, for example, a storm drain or directly into a body of water. The layer of gravel 912 at the bottom provides void space to help store water for longer periods of time. A layer of a fine filtering material 916 (e.g. sand) is placed above the layer of gravel 916. This provides additional filtration. Remediative plants 920 and engineered soils 918 are provided to treat the toxins or other materials in the water. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 9B, the modular unit 910 has a configuration similar to that shown in FIG. 5C. The perimeter of the enclosure may be formed with other modular units (e.g. see FIG. 5B). In one embodiment, the modular unit has a configuration like that of FIG. 5B except in that it one of the ends has been removed to provide a three-sided configuration suitable for use in a corner.

The selection of suitable vegetation and engineered soils are known to those skilled in the art. By way of illustration, and not limitation, the following plants are contemplated for use with the present invention: Carex Ice Dance; Acorus gramineus; Carex pendula; Solidago sempervirens; Iris spp.; Calamagrostis×actuflora “Overdam”; Panicum virgatum; Verbena hastate; Achillea millefolium; Athyrium filix-femina; Solidago hispida; Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash.

While the invention has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof to adapt to particular situations without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that the claims not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that the claims will include all embodiments falling within the scope and spirit of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for reducing runoff from an urban area into a body of water, the system comprising: a plurality of elongated bioretention cells extending in a first direction, each fluidly connected to an elongated sedimentation basin for receiving water therefrom, and each fluidly connected to at least one adjacent elongated bioretention cell; wherein the elongated sedimentation basin has a length that extends in a second direction, different from the first direction; at least one elongated filter disposed adjacent to and in fluid communication with at least one of the elongated bioretention cells for receiving overflow water therefrom; and an overflow drain leading from the elongated filter to the body of water.
 2. The system as recited in claim 1, further comprising at least one swale disposed between urban area and the elongated sedimentation basin.
 3. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the first direction and second direction are substantially perpendicular one another.
 4. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the elongated bioretention cell that is in fluid communication with elongated filter is in fluid communication by a fluid conduit that is disposed in a top half of the elongated filter.
 5. The system as recited in claim 4, wherein the overflow drain is in the bottom half of the elongated drain.
 6. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the elongated bioretention cells are each comprised of a modular unit selected from the group consisting of a five-sided modular unit with at least one hole; a four-sided modular unit and a three-sided modular unit.
 7. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the elongated bioretention cells are each comprised of a modular unit selected from the group consisting of a four-sided modular unit and a three-sided modular unit.
 8. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the plurality of bioretention cell comprises a combination of at least one four-sided modular unit and at least one three-sided modular unit.
 9. The system as recited in claim 1, further comprising a pedestrian path, above and parallel with, the elongated sedimentation basin.
 10. The system as recited in claim 1, further comprising a pedestrian path, above and parallel with, the elongated filter.
 11. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the elongated bioretention cells comprise vegetation and engineered soil.
 12. A system for reducing runoff from an elevated road into a body of water, the system comprising: a road elevated above a ground level by a distance; a sedimentation basin disposed below the road; a vertical pipe fluidly connecting the road to the sedimentation basin; a plurality of bioretention cells, each fluidly connected to the sedimentation basin for receiving water therefrom, and each fluidly connected to at least one adjacent bioretention cell.
 13. The system as recited in claim 12, wherein the distance is at least ten feet.
 14. The system as recited in claim 12, wherein the sedimentation basin and the plurality of bioretention cells are disposed below the ground level.
 15. The system as recited in claim 12, wherein the sedimentation basin and the plurality of bioretention cells are both disposed above ground level and are within an enclosure.
 16. The system as recited in claim 15, wherein the enclosure is formed from a plurality of vertical walls and a horizontal waterproof liner.
 18. The system as recited in claim 16, wherein the plurality of bioretention cells comprise vegetation and engineered soil, where the plurality of bioretention cells is sealed such that a water sample is held in the system, thereby providing the vegetation and engineered soil time to treat the water sample.
 19. The system as recited in claim 16, wherein the vertical walls are Jersey barriers.
 20. The system as recited in claim 15, further comprising a maintenance access disposed on top of the enclosure and within the enclosure's perimeter. 